The woman let out a friendly chuckle and turned to Armond. “You should have informed me earlier that we’re expecting a guest so I can be more prepared. After all, this is the first time you brought a female friend over here.”
The woman then walked toward me and asked kindly, “You must be hungry now. What would you like for dinner?”
I hesitated for a brief moment and shot Armond a quick glance. He was now looking at me with his darkened expression, causing me to respond accordingly, “Thanks, Mrs. Murphy. I’m easy.”
The woman continued to exchange more pleasantries with me before she headed out to get dinner ready.
The second the woman left our sights, a glint of malevolent reappeared in Armond’s eyes. “Cooperate with me, and I’ll tell you what you need to know.”
I pursed my lips and asked, “She’s your mother?”
“Hmm.” He nodded. “For years, she has been hoping that I’ll get married and settle down with a family. When she comes back, just go with whatever she says and don’t you try to get at her.”
I replied flatly, “Don’t worry. It’s you that I despise. Unlike you, I won’t lay a finger on a sick person. I’m not a monster.”
“How did you know she’s not well?” he asked with his brow lifted.
“I’m not blind. Her complexion is too pale for a normal, healthy person.”
“Well then, make sure you’re on your best behavior,” he snarked.
I looked at the certifiably treacherous man before me and lost in thoughts for a brief moment. I remember having read somewhere that stipulates that the more wickedly evil the person is, the easier it is to search for his soft spot. No one can be categorically judged as good or bad, as they are merely driven by their respective motives. People can be motivated by money, their loved ones, or even the people of their country. Whatever actions that follow are only means to an end.
“So how am I supposed to address her?”
The man raised an eyebrow and curled his lips while watching me. “Well, you can call her…Mom, just like I do.”
Furrowing my brows, I decided to ignore him.
Not long after, Armond’s mother came knocking on our door again. With an apron still wrapped around her waist, she happily announced, “Dinner is ready!”
Armond smiled and nodded. “We’ll be there in just a second.”
After his mother left, he once again turned to me and narrowed his eyes slightly as he reminded, “Again, know your place, and keep your lips tight on things that shouldn’t be said.”
Rolling my eyes, I stood up and left the room.
Walking into the main dining area of the bistro, I was amazed by the sophisticated and tasteful internal design. Even though this was not the most spacious cafe bistro in town, every little corner of this place gave off the sense of more money being spent on the furnishings here than in a bigger restaurant.
I saw a bouquet of sunflowers on our table from afar and thought it to be a plastic flower bouquet. But as I came closer to it I was surprised to see that they were real flowers. Sunflowers are definitely not in season right now. How on earth is he able to secure some fresh sunflowers around this time of the year?
Armond’s mother continued beaming at me while she sat down beside me. “Armond should have told me earlier that you’re visiting today. Please forgive me for the simple dishes tonight. I’ll prepare something more to your liking next time you come over.”
I shook my head and smiled in return. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Murphy. The dishes all look delicious.”
The man was rather quiet throughout dinner, save for when his mother asked him some questions, to which he provided very short answers. As such, his mother had kept busy by talking to me.
I wanted to stop her from stacking more food on my plate, but refrained from doing so, thinking that she only meant well. Since I was pregnant, I figured I should probably increase my intake of food anyway.
Nevertheless, my stomach seemed to disagree with me when it started to churn uncomfortably just after a few bites. I darted into the washroom feeling extremely nauseated but didn’t retch up anything.
Armond’s mother came into the washroom to check up on me. “Is everything okay? Are you feeling sick? Should I get Armond to send you to the hospital?”
Realizing this was my first morning sickness since the pregnancy, I shook my head and smiled faintly, “I’m alright, just feeling a little nauseated that’s all. I’ll be okay.”
Being a mother herself, the woman was suddenly delighted as a broad grin flashed across her face. “Are you expecting? How far are you along? Have you done a check-up at the hospital?”
I was momentarily stunned by the questions she just rattled off and finally decided to tell her the truth, “It’s been two months now. I haven’t experienced much morning sickness, but otherwise I’m doing okay.
“Oh, that’s great!” Her eyes almost narrowed into two thin lines from smiling. She led me out of the washroom and helped me to the table while rambling, “These dishes are not suitable for someone who’s pregnant. You wait here and I’ll whip up something else for you.”
The woman was about to head back to the kitchen when I tried to grab firmly onto her arm. “Mrs. Murphy, there really is no need to trouble you. I’m completely fine with these dishes.”
She gently pried open my hand while still smiling merrily. “It’s ok, darling. I’m just so happy I want to cook something else for you and baby. You just wait here.”
